Bagsy

Weather's looking good, squads are looking good and the cup's looking good for the South. Bring it on!!

Nice one, really looking forward to this.

Could have ironed the t-shirt ;-)

Ah, now if it was at the expense of the millions we waste on shoring up false economy's abroad then I'd jump at the chance - now there's a compromise. But that's an argument for another day.

Don't worry mate, you can share Bazz's scoff, he doesn't need it all.

Probably for the reasons mentioned. Funny old thing that.

Ordnance, I don't disagree with everything you say and have sympathy with the police. But arming them all isn't the answer IMO, it simply isn't necessary or cost effective.

There you go, give yourself a round of applause. What a wonderful argument you put forward ;-)

You said it wouldn't cost much. Clearly it will - wages (270000 weeks worth), training facilities, trainers, weapons, ammo, resources, allowances, refresher training, time putting new laws through parliament etc etc etc. Massive costs and money we haven't got. For what return? Who's gonna pay? Can we afford the 270000 weeks lost police work? What's going to suffer as a result? Commensurate with the threat, remember? Edit - but I'm just a dimwit who doesn't think things through, apparently :-)

135,000 police in the UK - that's a pretty damn big bill for the tax payer to foot, and the equivalent of 270,000 weeks in lost police time. Is the threat that bad, seriously?

Good stuff, numbers have risen nicely!!

No it doesn't, it says I can't be bothered with it. The points you make provide no evidence at all, as I've already said. You disagree, I can live with that.

Ordnance, you jump all over the place with your argument, do some research man.

How are the squads being sorted?

Glad the dog's ok. I'm guessing the small claims court will be your only option if he refuses to pay.

Wow, that's a proactive response! Good to hear.

I'm still to see any convincing evidence to suggest all police should be armed. Isolated incidents are exactly that - isolated. How many murders involving firearms could have been prevented by armed police - I'm guessing very few if any. Terrorism was quoted but again not a single killing would have been prevented. The police themselves don't want to be armed. Why should we, what actual difference would it make? If anything there's a real risk gun crime would go up as criminals arm themselves in the knowledge the police would be armed. Heck, most on here winge when joe public ring 'em because there's a cammo clad bloke in a field with a shotgun. I'm far happier in the knowledge there a units specially trained for these events, though more may of course be needed.

Makes sense where Bazza's concerned, or find a way of banning his backside.

The difference is we aren't all in Northern Ireland. Arming the police here wouldn't be commensurate with the risk.

Whether or not we need more armed police is a more worthy debate. I don't know how stretched the existing armed units are but we need to provide appropriately trained and equipped officers to deal with the problem - though this needs sensibe and balanced against need. I certainty don't believe in arming all police as it's not needed and the financial costs would be massive, not the mention the training and legal implications. I think we have it about right now, provided they're not run off their feet. As for arming off duty squaddies, not a chance in hell.

Loving the cap badge!

Someone else's words shared on FB. Just out for a walk after an early stack Not looking for trouble, not watching my back Mothers with prams holding hands with their kids Not paying attention to the car as it skids Caught completely off guard not expecting what comes One man with a knife another with guns No chance of defence no chance to fight back Looking for help as the cowards attack An angel arrives as the light turns to grey A woman attempts to steer attackers away My last thought of 'Thank You' never strays from my brain As my body shuts down and I feel no more pain. I look to my left and I look to my right Thousands of squaddies are all that's in sight Uniforms are crisp and their faces are clean No sign of anger or hate to be seen As if by command they salute all as one The RSM smiles, says 'Welcome home son" Steady the drums.... Stand Easy Drummer Rigby, see you in the re-org mucker.

Fantastic stuff, I've really enjoyed the commemorations this week. Watched the film again yesterday followed by the programme following Johnny Johnson returning to the dam and finding the crash site of the original plane he flew in. It brought a lump to my throat on more than one occasion. We owe them all one hell of a debt of gratitude.

Signed up and looking forward to it!